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Pleasure craft license
Pleasure craft powered, even temporarily, by an engine or engines of 10hp or more, which are kept and operated mainly in Canada, must be licensed or registered, regardless of where they operate in Canada.
What’s the difference between pleasure craft licences and registration?
Pleasure craft licence The pleasure craft licensing system allows Search and Rescue personnel to access information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in the event of an emergency. You must display your pleasure craft licence number above the waterline on both sides of the bow, as far forward as practical, and where it is easy to see. The numbers must be in block letters, at least 7.5 cm (3”) high, and must contrast with the colour of the background. You do not need a pleasure craft licence if the boat is registered. Pleasure craft licences are free and valid for ten years. It must be kept on board at all times. However, a pleasure craft licence does not prove ownership. Not having the proper documents on board can result in delays or trouble clearing customs, or even a fine. The information on the licence must be kept up to date. A pleasure craft may be operated without an accurate name or address on the licence until the day on which the owner of the pleasure craft receives an updated licence, up to a maximum of 90 days from the day of the change of name or address.
To obtain a licence for a pleasure craft, you can refer to the website of Transport Canada at http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-news-menu-3215.htm
Registration The Canadian Register of Vessels is the official register of all registered or listed vessels, vessels under construction and bare-boat charters. It contains information on each vessel, such as ownership and mortgage details, vessel characteristics, such as tonnage, construction material and type. Although there are costs involved, registration gives you some important benefits, which include a proof of ownership (legal title) for your boat, the right to fly the Canadian flag, a unique name, and official number for your boat, as well as the right to use your boat as security for a marine mortgage.
There are costs associated with registering. However, the registration is good for as long as you own the vessel. You must carry registration documents on board at all times, together with any other ownership documents, to help avoid delays clearing U.S. or Canada customs, or in case of a fine. All required forms are available from any port of registry across Canada, or visit the Vessel Registration Office website. This law does not apply if the boat is registered or licensed in accordance with the laws of another country and not principally maintained or operated in Canada, for a life boat or other survival craft that is part of the equipment of a ship, as well as for an amphibious vehicle for which a provincial automobile licence for highway travel is required.